Data: Cases of flu-like illness in Whatcom County spiking higher, earlier in the season

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Officials with the Whatcom County Health Department and the Washington State Department of Health are reporting earlier than normal significant increase in cases of influenza (flu) and influenza-related illness.

While there has been 1 lab-confirmed influenza death and 1 influenza-like illness outbreak in a long-term care facility in Whatcom, there have been 26 deaths and 25 outbreaks in Washington state this season as of December 3rd.